Last updated on March 11th, 2023 at 02:31 am
There is nothing worse than heading out for a day’s boating only to find your outboard motor missing. Outboard motors are high-risk item thieves frequently target, leaving you with losses, expensive replacement costs, and agonizing insurance matters. However, you can ensure that an outboard is safely kept away when not in use by using one of the best outboard motor lock recommendations listed in this article.
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Top 7 Best Outboard Motor Locks For Sale
When frequently out of the water, there is rarely any purpose to remove the outboard motor of your boat. Therefore, one of the best things that you can do is get yourself a lock for your outboard motor. A lot of outboard engine locks work by covering over and securing the turnbuckles that clamp the motor to the transom, a flat area where the sides of the hull meet at the stern of your boat. Here are our top 7 choices.
- PANTHER MARINE 75-8201 High Security Outboard Motor Lock
- Trimax Outboard Motor Lock
- Panther Marine 75-8000 Outboard Motor Lock
- MARINE CITY Stainless-Steel Outboard Engine Lock
- McGard 74049 Marine Single Outboard Motor Lock
- Fulton OML 0127 Outboard Motor Lock
- Amarine Made Stainless Steel Hi-Security Outboard Motor Lock
Best Outboard Motor Lock Reviews
The security of your engine is of great concern. However, a motor lock can be of help in other ways. For example, the turnbuckles can get loose and slowly unwind themselves during normal boat usage resulting in outboards dropping out of position. Believe us, it happens. A good outboard boat motor lock prevents such kind of expensive occurrences.
The following reviews will be useful to you for identifying the current best outboard transom locks on the market.
*Our Top Choice*
1. PANTHER MARINE 75-8201 High Security Outboard Motor Lock
![]() | PANTHER MARINE 75-8201 High Security Outboard Motor Lock Review Pros: – Brass and stainless steel for rust resistance – Highly effective Cons: – Poorly written instructions |
The PANTHER MARINE 75-8201 High Security Outboard Motor Lock is made from premium grade 300-series stainless steel. The inner lock and its components are brass made to help in rust resistance. The next to none outboard lock fits the engine’s mount bolt, stopping loosening of transom nuts.
Complete with two security keys that cannot be duplicated, this outboard lock fits up to ½ inches engine bolts. Also, the recessed, solid-design lock is manufactured for easy installation and reduction of noise. Furthermore, the included double-sided inserts also help in tamping down the noise.
The SCM and SSF certified motor lock anti-drilling design features a lock itself theft protection feature making it the best outboard motor lock you can find today. You can’t really go wrong with the Panther Marine 75-8201 outboard motor lock. With a sleek and attractive look, the engine lock is compatible with different models and makes of outboard motors, making it your ideal choice.
Best Value
2. Trimax Boat Motor Lock
![]() | Trimax Outboard Motor Lock Review Pros: – Comes with a keyhole cover – Quick to release and install Cons: – Prevents motor from being raised or lowered |
The Trimax Outboard Motor Lock is another ideal choice for your boat’s safety. Leaving your outboard motor unattended increases the risk of someone stealing it, and this is where this quick to release and install motor lock comes in. Apart from great securing clamps, the Trimax outboard motor lock is also made of heavy gauge steel for maximum security.
Given its relatively low price, the Trimax motor lock is a great value. The tough and dependable locking system foam padding minimizes rattles and vibration, while its design matches rigorous quality standards. Unlike other outboard boat engine locks, the TBL610 comes with a keyhole cover to prevent grime and dirt from building up.
This is a high-quality, expertly crafted motor locking system that is also budget-friendly. You will not have to worry if one key gets lost since the motor lock comes with two flat keys.
Cheapest
3. Panther Marine 75-8000 Outboard Motor Lock
![]() | Panther Marine 75-8000 Outboard Motor Lock Review Pros: – Fits easily on the turnbuckle – Vinyl-covered Cons: – Loose fit could be pried off more easily than others |
The Panther Marine 75-8000 Outboard Motor Lock is a massive carbon steel designed motor lock that guarantees your motor’s maximum security. With a product dimension of 3x7x7 inches, the panther motor lock is recessed to prevent cutting. The noise dampeners help in reducing rattle, making a good choice.
The Panther Marine 75-8000 is a unique type of boat motor lock thanks to its vinyl-clad steel tube design. It is safeguarded with a hardened brass padlock to secure your motor. The outboard engine lock shackle only goes in one way since one of the legs is longer than the other, making it more comfortable to line up the lock with the shackle.
This recessed outboard boat engine motor lock comes with two keys, is fairly priced, and fits turnbuckle-mounted engines. If you want to keep thieves away, this lock may be an ideal pick for your boat.
Stainless Steel
4. MARINE CITY Stainless-Steel Outboard Engine Lock
![]() | MARINE CITY Stainless-Steel Outboard Engine Lock Review Pros: – Easy to install – Stainless steel Cons: – May be too large for smaller motors |
The MARINE CITY Stainless-Steel Outboard Engine Lock is yet another very good selection for your boat motor’s safety. This lock works by tightening the two halves of the lock to clamp the engine fixings. The 3x3x3 inches outboard boat lock comes with sponge linings to minimize rattling vibrations when the engine is running.
What we really like about this lock is that it is made of 304-grade stainless steel. It is lightweight, easy to use, and very dependable.
Much like most of the others on our list, the Marine City motor lock comes with two keys.
5. McGard 74049 Marine Single Outboard Motor Lock
![]() | McGard 74049 Marine Single Outboard Motor Lock Review Pros: – Long-lasting – Simple to use Cons: – Easy to cut off if determined |
For such simple product, the McGard 74049 Marine Single Outboard Motor Lock also offers great protection against expensive outboard motor theft. The McGard engine lock is made to latch the bolt that grips the outboard onto the boat’s transom. This product works by simply replacing a single one of the motor’s mounting nuts with the McGard locking nut.
If you need a lock that will serve you for a long time, then the McGard 74049 lock is a good choice. The lock is entirely made from high-quality stainless steel and is thoroughly hardened to serve you better. This lock will fit most boats with different outboard motors.
Heavy Duty
6. Fulton OML 0127 Outboard Motor Lock
![]() | Fulton OML 0127 Outboard Motor Lock Review Pros: – Designed for maximum security – Foam filler for noise & vibration reduction Cons: – May not fit all boats |
The Fulton OML 0127 Outboard Motor Lock is designed for maximum security with a heavy-duty barrel key lock mechanism. With a weight of 1.12 pounds, the lock’s foam filler insert reduces vibration and noise. The Fulton OML outboard motor lock is a beast of a lock and comes with a 5-year warranty.
This is an easy to use boat motor lock that comes with two keys. While it will fit a lot of motors, it won’t fit all. So, be sure to check with the manufacturer to see if it is compatible with your motor.
Brass Lock
7. Amarine Made Stainless Steel Hi-Security Outboard Engine Lock
![]() | Amarine Made Stainless Steel Hi-Security Outboard Motor Lock Review Pros: – Stainless with brass lock – Easy to use & durable Cons: – May be easy to break |
Rounding out our top favorites is the Amarine Made Stainless Steel Hi-Security Outboard Motor Lock. This outboard motor lock has a brass lock that fits most outboards. Also, this outboard engine lock is made of polished stainless steel that is robust and made to last longer in saltwater. With a dimension of 1.57 x 11.89 x 1.54 inches, the impressive motor lock is made to work with different makes and models of outboards.
Best Outboard Motor Lock Buyer’s Guide
Outboard motor locks can be as different as the engines they are used to protect. Consider a few things before you purchase a motor lock, especially your outboard usage and your exact security concern.
Construction & Materials
Any outboard lock worthy investing in should be constructed using high-grade stainless steel for excellent corrosion resistance. For the same reason, the lock and inner mechanisms should be made of brass. Both of these materials offer the greatest protection against destruction from both thieves and mother nature.
Ease Of Use
Any outboard motor lock should be easy to use. For example, all the locks discussed above in this review are ready to use out of the box. A good motor lock must also be designed to be compatible with diverse makes and models of outboard motors. You also don’t want a lock that takes too long or is too cumbersome to put on and take off. That would just discourage you from using it. Make sure that the lock that you choose is easy to use.
Conclusion
Protecting your valuable properties, especially your outboard motor, is nothing to take lightly. Unfortunately, boat motor theft is on the rise. In recent years, we have seen organized groups breaking into boatyards and stealing many boat motors. Ensure that you have taken great care of your investment. Also, ensure that your preferred outboard motor lock is built to serve you for a longer time using high-quality materials. A small investment in the best outboard motor lock can potentially save you thousands over the long term.
Be sure to also check out our horizontal windlass reviews.
Last update on 2025-02-07 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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